Nectarine tree named ‘Honey Haven’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  var.  nucipersica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of features that are desirable in a new variety: 
     1. Regular and heavy production of fruit. 
     2. Vigorous and upright growth. 
     3. Fruit having an attractive red skin color. 
     4. Early maturity of large size fruit. 
     5. Fruit with firm flesh, very good flavor and eating quality. 
     6. The fruit having good handling and shipping quality.

FIELD OF INVENTION

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against thisbackground of our activities that the present variety of nectarine treewas originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of nectarine and peach trees which areknown to us, and mentioned herein, ‘May Grand’ Nectarine (U.S. PlantPat. No. 2,794), ‘Early Sungrand’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,420)and ‘Royal Gold’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,663).

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persicavar. nucipersica) was originated by us in our experimental orchardlocated near Modesto, Calif. as a seedling from an open pollinatedselection of a cross between two selected seedlings with fieldidentification numbers 36EB64 and 9GC175. The maternal parent (36EB64)originated from an open pollinated seedling selection which originatedas a second-generation seedling of a cross between ‘May Grand’ Nectarine(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,794) and a peach of unknown parentage. Thepaternal parent (9GC175) originated from a second-generation seedling ofa cross between an open pollinated seedling of ‘Early Sungrand’Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,420) and ‘Royal Gold’ Peach (U.S. PlantPat. No. 2,663). A large group of these seedlings growing on their ownroot were planted and maintained under close observation by us, duringwhich time we recognized the desirable fruit characteristics of oneseedling, which is the present variety, and selected it in 1994 forasexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine treewas by budding to ‘Nemaguard Rootstock’ (non-patented), the standardrootstock for nectarines in California, as performed by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows thatreproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics ofthe tree and its fruit are established and transmitted throughsucceeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is of large size,vigorous upright growth, and a productive and regular bearer of largesize, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with very good flavor and eatingquality. The fruit is further characterized by having a high degree ofattractive red skin color, firm flesh, with good handling and shippingquality. The fruit of the present new variety, when compared to ‘MayGrand’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,794), has a higher degree ofattractive red skin color, is less susceptible to split stones, theflesh has a mild, sweet, sub-acidic flavor compared to the regularacidic flavor and is approximately 3 days earlier in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is detailed botanical description of the new variety ofnectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observationsof 6 year old specimens growing on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented),grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (except those incommon terms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerup andJ. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.—Large. Tree height controlled by selective pruning to 10 to 12feet in height and 10 to 12 feet in width for economical harvesting offruit.

Vigor.—Vigorous. Grows 6 to 7 feet in height the first growing season.During the first dormant season it is pruned to 4 to 5 feet in heightand primary scaffolds are selected.

Form.—Usually pruned to vase shape.

Branching habit.—Upright. Crotch angle approximately 35 degrees.

Productivity.—Productive. Normal fruit set is 1½ to more times theamount of desired fruit. Fruit is reduced and spaced by thinning toproduce marketable fruit size.

Bearer.—Regular. Has set heavy crop for 5 consecutive years. Noalternate bearing observed.

Density.—Medium dense. Pruning to vase shape by removing some of thecenter branches to allow for more sunlight penetration.

Hardiness.—Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter chillingrequirement is approximately 800 hours below 45° F. Hardy in all stonefruit growing areas of California.

Trunk:

Size.—Large. Average circumference of 22½ inches at 14 inches aboveground on 6 year old trees. Varies with soil type, climatic conditionsand cultural practices.

Texture.—Medium shaggy, becoming rougher with age.

Color.—Brown to tobacco brown (5E-4) to (5-F-6).

Branches:

Size.—Medium. Circumference averages 9 inches at 38 inches above ground.

Surface texture.—Smooth to medium rough. Roughness increases with age ofbranch.

Lenticels.—Average number of 16 in a 4 square inch surface. Small tomedium in size. Average of {fraction (5/32)} inch in length. Average of{fraction (1/16)} inch in width. Size increases as branches becomelarger. Color varies from brownish orange to brownish yellow (5-C-6) to(5-C-8). Varies with age of growth.

Color.—First years new growth varies from lettuce green (30-D-7) tolight brown (5-B-6). Older more mature growth from oak brown toyellowish brown (5-D-6) to (5-E-8). Color becomes darker with age ofbranch.

Leaves:

Size.—Large. Average length 5 inches. Average width 1{fraction (15/32)}inch.

Form.—Lanceolate.

Apex.—Acuminate.

Base.—Cuneate.

Margin.—Serrate.

Thickness.—Medium.

Surface.—Varies from relatively smooth to undulated. Upper surfacerelatively smooth, slight indentation over midrib and veining. Lowersurface relatively smooth, small ridges created by midrib and pinnatevenation. Both surfaces are glabrous.

Petiole.—Medium. Average length {fraction (23/64)} inch. Average width{fraction (1/16)} inch. Grooved longitudinally. Color varies from peagreen to grayish green (29-D-5) to (29-D-6).

Glands.—Reniform. Medium in size. Average diameter {fraction (3/64)}inch. Number varies from 2 to 3, average number 2. Color — reddish brown(9E-5). Located on the base of the leaf blade and the upper portion ofthe petiole.

Color.—Upper surface — green to dark green (29-F-6) to (29-F-8). Lowersurface — grayish green to green (29-E-4) to (29-E-6).

Flower buds:

Size.—Large. Average length ⅝ inch. Average diameter {fraction (27/64)}inch three days before bloom.

Form.—Conical, plump, free, becoming elongated at maturity.

Color.—Pale pink to pastel pink (11-A-3) to (11-A-4).

Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of California.

Pubescence.—Pubescent on outer surface of sepals.

Flowers:

Size.—Large, showy. Average height {fraction (11/16)} inch. Averagediameter 1{fraction (9/16)} inch.

Petals.—Number — 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Ovate, edges varyfrom smooth to slightly scalloped. Narrows at point of attachment.Average length ¾ inch. Average width {fraction (21/32)} inch. Color —pink to pastel pink (11-A-3) to (11-A-4). Color fades with age offlower.

Sepals.—Number — 5. Alternately arranged to petals. Average length{fraction (11/64)} inch. Average width {fraction (5/32)} inch. Color oflower surface varies from ruby to grayish ruby (12-D-6) to (12-D-8),pubescent. Upper surface varies from patina green (28-C-5) in the centerto a narrow margin of grayish ruby (12-D-6) on the outer edges,glabrous.

Stamens.—Number of stamens varies from 40 to 49. Average number 46.Average length {fraction (9/16)} inch. Filament color — white (1-A-1),turning pink with age of bloom. Anther color — red (11-A-6).

Pollen.—Present, self-fertile. Color — light yellow to maize yellow(3-A-4) to (3-A-6).

Pistil.—Normally one. Varies from 1 to 2. Average length ½ inch. Color —yellowish white to pale yellow (1-A-2) to (1-A-3). Stigma heightslightly above anthers, {fraction (1/16)} inch. Pubescence — wanting.

Aroma.—Slight.

Pedicel.—Average length {fraction (3/16)} inch. Average width {fraction(1/16)} inch. Color — apple green (29-C-7).

Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 24, 2000. Date of Petal FallMar. 6, 2000. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Color.—Light pink to pink (13-A-3) to (13-A-4).

Fruit:

Maturity when described.—Shipping ripe.

Date of first picking.—Jun. 15, 2000.

Date of last picking.—Jun. 22, 2000. Varies slightly with climaticconditions.

Size.—Average diameter axially 2⅜ inches to 2½ inches. Averagetransversely in suture plane 2½ inches to 2⅝ inches. Average weight195.96 grams. Average weight varies slightly with fertility of the soil,amount of thinning and climatic conditions.

Form.—Globose, nearly symmetrical, slightly elongated.

Suture.—Shallow, extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.—Usually rounded, some fruit slightly lipped.

Apex.—Usually rounded, varies from slight tip to slight depression.

Base.—Retuse.

Cavity.—Slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth {fraction(5/16)} inch. Average breadth ½ inch.

Stem:

Size.—Average length {fraction (5/16)} inch. Average diameter {fraction(5/32)} inch. Enlarged at point of attachment to fruit.

Color.—Grayish yellow to olive brown (4-C-5) to (4-D-5).

Flesh:

Ripens.—Evenly.

Texture.—Firm, meaty.

Fibers.—Few, small and tender.

Firmness.—Firm, good handling and shipping quality.

Aroma.—Slight.

Amydgalin.—Undetected.

Eating quality.—Very good.

Flavor.—Very good, good balance between acid and sugar.

Juice.—Moderate, enhances flavor.

Brix.—Average 10.5°.

Color.—Yellow to butter yellow (4-A-4) to (4-A-5). Pit cavity butteryellow to banana yellow (4-A-5) to (4-B-5), non-bleeding, except forvery slight reddish yellow staining near apex.

Skin:

Thickness.—Medium, shows minimal bruising or scarring with picking andpacking trials.

Texture.—Medium. Tenacious to the flesh.

Down.—Wanting.

Tendency to crack.—None.

Color.—Yellow ground color (3-B-6) to (3-B-7), overspread with red todeep red (10-C-8) to (10-E-8).

Stone:

Type.—Clingstone.

Size.—Large. Average length 1½ inches. Average width 1{fraction (5/32)}inches. Average thickness {fraction (13/16)} inches.

Form.—Oval to ovoid, varies slightly with some stones.

Base.—Usually straight, varies from straight to rounded.

Apex.—Cuspidate.

Surface.—Irregularly furrowed toward apex, pitted toward base. Pitcavities vary from rounded to elongated in shape. Small ridges with arough, irregular surface.

Sides.—Equal to unequal. Some stones have one side slightly larger,extending farther from the suture plane.

Tendency to split.—Very slight.

Color.—Brownish yellow to light brown (6-C-8) to (6-D-8) when dry.

Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good, fruit holds firm for two weeks in cold storage at38 to 42° F. with no internal breakdown of flesh or appreciable loss ofeating quality.

Shipping quality: Good, picking and packing of fruit gave minimalbruishing or scarring of flesh or skin.

Disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing for relativeplant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been designed. Underclose observation during planting, growing, and harvesting of fruit,under normal cultural and growing conditions near Modesto, Calif., noparticular plant/fruit disease resistance or susceptibility has beenobserved. Any variety or selection observed during indexing of plantcharacteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial, virus or insectsusceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree substantiallyas illustrated and described, which is of large size, vigorous uprightgrowth and a productive and regular bearer of large size, clingstonefruit with firm flesh, very good flavor and eating quality; the fruit isfurther characterized by its attractive red skin color, good handlingand shipping quality; and when compared to ‘May Grand’ Nectarine (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 2,794) the fruit of the new variety has a higher degreeof attractive red skin color, less susceptible to split stones, issub-acidic instead of acidic and matures approximately 3 days earlier.